Joba knows his role  —  Yankees inform righty that he'll start season in bullpen  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The argument of whether Joba Chamberlain can best serve the Yankees out of their starting rotation or bullpen isn't settled — not by a long shot.  But for the purposes of Opening Day, the right-hander finally has his answer.

It was a time for team unity  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. - One of the most bizarre days in spring training history begins yesterday at 8:45 a.m., when a somber Terry Francona plops himself down in the dugout at City of Palms Park and reveals he has just informed his coaches and staff that …

Marlins' Willingham out to improve against lefties  —  One of the National League's best and one of its worst hitters against left-handed pitching in 2007 are Marlins.  —  Beginning Opening Day, Hanley Ramirez and Josh Willingham, respectively, hope to prolong and reverse the trends.

Nationals hope Milledge and Dukes can overcome past  —  Lastings Milledge was making every effort to sound humble about a monstrous home run he hit in an exhibition against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, when Washington Nationals teammate Ray King interrupted the postgame interview to grant him a special dispensation.

New deal is set for Wainwright  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.  • The Cardinals' opening day starter and present-day ace Adam Wainwright is expected to sign a long-term contract today with the club that assures his place in its future.  —  The Cardinals plan to finalize and announce …

Blanco (finally) knocking at door  —  Kissimmee, Fla. — Every once in a while comes a player like Gregor Blanco, who has plenty of physical tools, puts up good numbers annually in competitive Latin American winter leagues, but has something that's keeping him stuck in the minor league system …

Bigbie exiled after breaking code  —  YOKOSUKA, Japan - The Year of the Rat in the Japanese zodiac started Feb. 7, about a week after Larry Bigbie arrived.  —  He came here with some fanfare, more than he had seen in his six years playing in the major leagues.

Papelbon hopes long flight proves to be a flop … FORT MYERS - The Red Sox [team stats] are all in.  —  The approximately 19-hour trip to Japan that the Red Sox embarked upon last night was going to feature an array of time-killing devices but the No. 1 diversionary tactic is going to be poker, the Texas Hold 'Em variety.

Valentine says timing of MLB Japan trip ‘ludicrous’  —  Bobby Valentine has nothing against the Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics opening Major League Baseball's 2008 season in Japan.  It's just the timing of it he can't understand.  —  The former Texas Rangers and New York Mets manager …

Waiver move news to Uribe  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — The White Sox placed infielder Juan Uribe on waivers Wednesday, according to a major-league scout.  —  But Uribe, who didn't play against Colorado, and agent Martin Arburua were unaware of such a move.  The Sox made no announcement …

Kerry Wood's back spasms raise Cubs closer questions again  —  MESA, Ariz. - Kerry Wood's back spasms will sideline him for at least two more days but shouldn't affect his front-runner status in the three-way race for the closer's spot.  —  Manager Lou Piniella said after Wednesday's 5-2 loss …

Batted balls and park effects  —  A few years ago, Dave Studeman and I exchanged a few dozen e-mails and a few hundred thoughts discussing park factors for batted balls.  The result was an entertaining article by Dave in The Hardball Times Annual 2006 that pointed out some of his more interesting findings …